Public Health Institute Journal (LJMU)
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The health impacts of hoarding disorder in older adults: A scoping review
No full textBackground: Hoarding Disorder (HD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This behaviour leads to the accumulation of a large number of items, often to the extent that living spaces become cluttered and difficult to use, this has wider implication for the person who hoards, and people who live with and around them including public and environmental health risks such as fire, infestation , and structural damage to homes. Hoarding disorder can have significant effects on the individual\u27s quality of life yet little is known about the health impacts of a person with hoarding disorder. The absence of a stand-alone diagnosis until 2013 for symptoms of hoarding means literature is limited and challenging to analyse and much remains unknown about the epidemiology Hoarding Disorder
Methods: A scoping review of literature from 2013 – 2024 was undertaken in May 2024 using three databases to identify relevant studies, further searches were also conducted through grey literature. The screening process involved evaluating studies against inclusion criteria and data was subsequently extracted for thematic analysis.
Results: Ten studies were included in the review , with three themes identified; Hoarding Disorder and Older Age, Hoarding Disorder and Medical Co-Morbidity and Hoarding Disorder and Depression and Anxiety. Results suggested that there is generally no substantial connection between severity of hoarding and older age but rather older adults appear to have increased severity due to age related function impairment. Results identified people with Hoarding Disorder generally have lower quality of life due to increased numbers of medical comorbidities including physical and mental health conditions and that there is a strong correlation between Hoarding Disorder and depression and anxiety .
Conclusion: Hoarding Disorder has a complex impact on public health, influencing not just mental and physical health but considering the wider impacts socially and financially. Effective management is required to address the complex needs of people with Hoarding Disorder which requires a multidisciplinary approach comprising mental health specialists, social workers, public health officials, and legal authorities to mitigate its broader shared impacts. 
The risk of mental health issues among young people who use TikTok in Europe
No full textBackground: TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, particularly among adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about its potential impact on mental health. The platform’s engaging, algorithm-driven content has been linked to various psychological outcomes, including social media addiction, anxiety, and depression. Understanding these effects, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of excessive TikTok use and ensure the well-being of its users.
Methods: This review synthesizes findings from several studies that examine the relationship between TikTok use and mental health outcomes. These studies utilized methods such as literature reviews, online surveys, and cross-sectional analyses, focusing on adolescents and young adults across different regions, including Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia. The research investigates key mental health indicators, such as social media addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, to provide a comprehensive understanding of TikTok\u27s impact.
Results: The findings indicate a strong correlation between excessive TikTok use and negative mental health outcomes, particularly among younger users. High levels of TikTok use have been consistently associated with social media addiction, increased anxiety, and depression. The platform’s algorithm-driven nature, which promotes prolonged engagement through personalized content, appears to exacerbate these effects, making it a significant concern for mental health professionals and educators.
Conclusion: TikTok presents unique challenges to mental health, particularly for adolescents and young adults. To address these challenges, there is a need for targeted interventions, such as digital literacy programs and platform-specific tools that promote healthy usage habits. Ongoing research is crucial to fully understand the long-term effects and to develop effective strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of social media use.
 
Patriarchy as a major driver of intimate partner violence against women in Nigeria: A qualitative systematic review : Public Health Dissertation Prize Winner
No full textBackground: Intimate partner violence is not only a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality globally, but it is also a major public health problem with social implications. In Nigeria, where lifetime prevalence rates range from 33.1% to 63.2%, patriarchy drives the prevalence of IPV against women through its influence on all aspects of the Nigerian society. This review aims to explore the lived experiences of women who are victims of IPV to understand how patriarchal ideologies permeate the socio-cultural context of Nigeria, shaping societal attitudes towards violence against women which leads to high prevalence of IPV.
Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted, which involved a rigorous literature search on CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant studies. The search was limited to studies published in English language between 2014 and 2024 to ensure the inclusion of recent and relevant studies. PICo framework was used to develop the search strategy, research question, and eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was appraised by using the CASP Qualitative Checklist. Hybrid Thematic Synthesis was used to analyse the included studies.
Results: Six studies were included in the final review. Five analytic themes emerged: (i) knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of IPV, (ii) the normalization of male dominance and control, (iii) the influence of cultural norms and traditional practices, (iv)the role of religious institutions, and (v) help-seeking behaviours. The interpretation of the themes provided a comprehensive understanding of how societal attitudes towards IPV against women in Nigeria are shaped by patriarchal beliefs which are manifested in the socio-cultural context of Nigeria, leading to pervasiveness, and prevalence of IPV.
Conclusion: The review concluded that patriarchy influences social and cultural norms that shape perception towards IPV against women, which leads to high prevalence. Thus, addressing IPV requires a multi-faceted public strategy that involves the long-term commitment of the Nigerian government and other stakeholders, ensuring the implementation of culturally sensitive interventions that challenge patriarchal norms, empower women, and promote gender quality. 
Breaking the silence: young people’s awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social stigma: Commendation for Significant Achievement
No full textAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition which impacts individuals’ ability to communicate, interact in social settings, and their overall behaviour. Despite the growing understanding and misconceptions, the stigma around ASD is present, especially among young people, influencing their opinions and attitudes towards autistic people. Recognising young people’s views towards ASD serves as an essential for encouraging inclusivity and reducing stigma. The study seeks to analyse young people’s awareness, knowledge, and attitudes around ASD, with emphasis on how social stigma impacts their opinions and actions. It is intended to find potential gaps in understanding and explore the factors which influence young people’s views for the purpose of educating future awareness initiatives. The study employed a quantitative research design. Online questionnaires, which incorporated both closed and open- ended questions enabled the collecting of numerical data to disclose general patterns, as well as qualitative insights which represented more comprehensive perspectives of individuals views and experiences. The questionnaire was distributed through social media networks and university connections to individuals aged 18 to 25 years old. This age group was chosen primarily due to their active participation in online settings and their influential role in developing an inclusive society. Findings highlighted that participants had a moderate amount of awareness and knowledge around ASD but there were some gaps in accurate knowledge and understandings. There were also some misconceptions around both the cause and symptoms of ASD. Stigmatising attitudes were generally associated with a lack of education or direct experience, which reflects individuals’ responses. The participants that may have been exposed to ASD through education, personal experiences or employment were more informed on the topic and provided some valuable insights. Overall, the study stresses the need for more inclusive, accurate, and accessible education for young people regarding ASD, to combat persistent stereotypes and disregarding social stigma. The use of educational programs, which promote accurate information and inclusivity can help develop understanding amongst young individuals and provide an enhanced society for everyone
A qualitative study exploring educators’ awareness and strategies for supporting neurodiversity among students at LJMU
No full textThis study investigated neurodiversity in higher education (HE), with a primary focus on lecturers’ understanding and strategies for identifying the support that neurodiverse students require and receive. Neurodiversity is a topic that includes conditions such as autism, attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia which are recognised as a natural variation in cognitive functioning. The research explored how policies and teaching practices influence the educational experiences of neurodiverse students. The main research questions addressed are based on what level of understanding educators have about neurodiversity in HE and what strategies and barriers exist when aiming to create an inclusive environment in support of neurodiversity. A qualitative approach was used which involved interviewing five educators in various academic job roles that are employed by LJMU. Ethical considerations were prioritised with participants providing informed consent. The interviews encouraged the participants to define neurodiversity and describe the strategies used for inclusion, to identify the recurring themes and challenges within the institution.
The study found that fostering a neurodiverse academic environment in HE necessitated policy use, as well as an understanding and acceptance of neurodiverse students. It advised that training programmes should be created, flexible teaching methods should be implied with suitable feedback mechanisms to successfully facilitate the promotion of and commitment to neurodiversity in HE. The study highlighted the critical role for tailored support strategies when accommodating neurodiverse students in HE. It identified the barriers effectively, which included stigma and lack of awareness in education that can affect practice. Promoting collaborative feedback and allocation of resources allows institutions to create an inclusive environment and to enhance educational experiences, ensuring equitable access to learning for all students and offering a continuous professional development for enhanced access
The problem of defencelessness among children in low-income families
No full textDefencelessness among children is a global health and social care issue, with millions affected by poverty, violence, neglect and limited access to essential services. With a primary focus on vulnerable children from low-income families in the UK, this dissertation investigates the complex relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the structural inequalities that contribute to defencelessness. The study begins by defining key concepts and applying theoretical frameworks to explain how financial hardships can increase children’s exposure to stress and trauma. It then examines the short and long-term consequences of ACEs; including poor physical and mental health, educational difficulties, social exclusion and intergenerational transmission of disadvantage. The role of stigma and intersecting factors in compounding the marginalization of children, such as race, gender and SES are focused on, with the consequences of these factors hindering future opportunities. This study also assesses the influence of healthcare, education and child protection policies in revealing how under-resourced systems can perpetuate inequality, hindering a child’s development. This dissertation concludes with recommendations, emphasising the urgent need for systemic reform to address these inequalities and ensure that all children, regardless of background have access to safety, support and opportunity
Understanding self-harm in women through the lens of social expectations
No full textThis dissertation examines the intricate connection between social pressures and female self-harm, emphasising the social, cultural, and psychological elements that influence this form of behaviour. It explores the complex phenomenon of female self-harm, focusing on both personal experience and a comprehensive review of existing literature. This study examines how cultural expectations around success, beauty, and gender roles affect women\u27s mental health and coping strategies using a mixed-methods approach that includes both qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires. The primary objectives are to identify the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing self-harming behaviours among women and evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions. The results show that cultural narratives, peer interactions, and social media have a significant impact on how people feel about themselves and their emotional health, which makes them more likely to damage themselves. The implications of this study underscore the need to further personalise support systems and informed interventions that prioritise compassion and a deeper understanding for everyone. The research suggests the potential areas for future exploration, which will include the impact of digital media surrounding self-harm and the importance of intersectionality in understanding these certain behaviours. This study intends to offer a deeper understanding of the underlying problems and suggest remedies that address the cultural constraints causing this behaviour by elevating the voices of women who self-harm. Ultimately, this dissertation aims to raise awareness and advance more positive social norms that support women\u27s resilience and mental health. It also aims to contribute to the development of effective support systems and interventions, which will foster a more compassionate and sympathetic approach to addressing the topic of self-harm in women
Vaping and public health: A critical review of health impacts, smoking cessation potential, and treatment challenges associated with disposable e-cigarettes
No full textThis dissertation aimed to explore the public health implications of vaping, including its efficacy as a smoking cessation device, the health consequences of its use, and the treatment issues of the introduction of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes). The research was literature-based, drawing on a broad range of peer-reviewed journals, government documents, and public health documents, with a focus on the UK context. The first half of the investigation considered the potential for e-cigarettes to aid in smoking cessation. It concluded that smoking e-cigarettes could lead to quitting in smokers when complemented by behaviour support, and could be superior to conventional nicotine replacement therapy. There remains, however, lingering issues of continuing nicotine dependence and dual use. The second half considered short-and long-term health damage from vaping. While marketed as healthier than smoking, studies indicated that they also creates respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological risks to younger consumers especially. The latter subgroup targeted disposable vapes, referring to increased teen use and the fact that youth public health initiatives did not have age-specific treatment protocols in existing programs.
The research found that vaping is a useful harm reduction strategy for adult use but poses daunting challenges for non-medical youth consumption. The most severe obstacles are inconsistent product regulation, access to high-nicotine products, and weak public health communication and cessation resources. Recommendations involve implementing youth cessation programs targeted, enforcing current legislation more effectively, and long-term health impact and motivational behaviour youth vaping more studies. Public general education needs to clearly differentiate harm reduction in adult smokers from adult adolescent prevention strategies
What are the barriers to being a mother studying an undergraduate degree?
No full textMy name is Grace, a 21-year-old woman navigating my way through motherhood for the first time whilst completing my final year of university, studying Health and Social Care. I fell pregnant with my son within the second year of university and gave birth to him at the start of the first year. Throughout this period, I found myself really interested in journalling. I would write in my journal my thoughts and feelings at certain stages of both my prepartum and postpartum journey, whilst studying my degree. This really helped me to connect not only my emotions but to also discover various barriers I found whilst juggling motherhood and my university degree. This is what led me to wanting to carry out my dissertation in the form of an autoethnography. I believe that stories shared by me on my motherhood and student journey would really help to inspire other students with babies or expecting. The main aim of this autoethnography is for universities to pick up on the barriers and struggles of studying for a degree whilst being a mum and to put more in place to aid and motivate these students to be able to carry on with their degree whilst being a mother. I feel as though during my studies this year although I’ve had an immense amount of support off lecturers to help me to carry out my studies online there have been a few barriers to my university experience as a mother. Becoming a mom has shaped me in many ways both emotionally and physically. It has made me a stronger person, and I now believe that not only do I have a different outlook on life, but I also have a new focus and purpose in my life. My studies have always been very important to me however, since becoming a mum they have been precious to me. This is because I aspire to be the best role model to my son and inspire him to aim high within his educational studies and go on to have a successful future with a career he wishes to pursue. As a 21-year-old first time mum balancing my home life and studies hasn’t been easy. I feel as though I have learnt a lot about myself along my journey to motherhood. I have underestimated my strength and determination. This year has been challenging but through my dedication I’ve got where I wanted to with my degree. I metaphorically would describe my journey through my last year of university as a rollercoaster. This is because I’ve had many highs where I have had strength to do well and lows where I was struggling to juggle life as a mum and life as an undergraduate
The relationship between trauma and substance use: analysing the link between early trauma and later addiction
No full textThis literature-based dissertation explores the complex relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use disorders, with a focus on how the adversities experienced in early life can shape the patterns of substance use in later life. It provides a clear insight into the link between trauma and substance abuse. The aim of this dissertation is to explore how early trauma contributes to substance use disorders, emphasising the role of social care, coping strategies, and the environment in shaping the outcomes. Research found that individuals who experienced adversity in early childhood are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorders in later life. The severity of this can be influenced by support systems, skills and coping strategies. This review examines key theories such as Bowlby’s attachment theory and the self-medication hypothesis, evaluating how these frameworks can inform treatment and interventions. This study examines existing policies and strategies and identifies gaps within trauma informed care and the integration of substance use treatment. Findings emphasise the requirement for coordinated care that takes a holistic approach. Through the collaboration of social care providers, mental health professionals, and healthcare providers, professionals are able to address the complex needs of individuals impacted by both ACEs and SUDs
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